Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 107

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1358

USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 107
USA > Pennsylvania > Centre County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 107
USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 107
USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1 > Part 107

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

fall of 1876, often employing as many as fourteen hands, and in the summer of 1868 paying out as much as $2,500 for wages. In 1877 he em- barked in farming, which he continued until the spring of 1892, when he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits as a partner of Benjamin Roush, but four years later returned to his farm, where he is now living.

In Rebersburg, Mr. Limbert was married March 20, 1856, to Miss Caroline Long, who was born in Berks county, Penn., January 12, 1835, a daughter of George and Polly (Deck) Long, and they have six children, as follows: Josiah A., a resident of Seneca county, Ohio; Harvey M., of Bellevue, Ohio; John D., of Madisonburg, Centre county; George E., a German Reformed minister of Grove City, Mercer Co., Penn .; Will- iam H., a school teacher of Rebersburg; and Ann E., at home.

In Madisonburg, Mr. and Mrs. Limbert began housekeeping in an old dwelling which he had pur- chased, together with four lots, having paid $60 down, and going in debt for the remainder of the amount. He borrowed many pieces of the fur- niture, and was compelled to borrow the money to purchase the remainder of his scanty house- hold goods; but as time advanced and he pros- pered in business, he was able to build.a sub- stantial and commodious residence in Madison- burg in 1860, which was neatly and tastefully furnished. There the family made their home until their removal to the farm in the fall of 1875. This adjoins the village and comprises ninety-two acres, which he has converted from a wooded, stony tract into richly cultivated fields, taking from it as many as 3,000 loads of stone. How- ever, it is now one of the most desirable farms in the locality, and adjoining it he also owns sev- enty-five acres of timber land. The success that he has achieved in life seems almost marvelous. as from a humble position he has worked his way upward until to-day he is one of the most pros- perous and substantial citizens of Miles town- ship.

A man of the strictest integrity and honor. Mr. Limbert is able to look the whole world in the face with a clear conscience. He and his excellent wife are both prominent members of the Reformed Church, in which he has served as elder for several years. His political support is unwaveringly given the Democratic party.

H ENRY GRIMM, the well-known merchant tailor of State College, Centre county, is a man of marked ability and enterprise, and al- though he has only been a resident of that place

since 1892 his excellent qualities have won for him the high regard of all with whom he has been associated.

Mr. Grimm is a native of Bavaria, and a de- scendant of an old and honored family. the patronymic having been known in Bavarian his- tory for more than nine hundred years. His grandfather, John Grimm, was a merchant in that country, and Henry Grimm, our subject's father, spent his entire life there, his death oc- curring in 1862. The mother is still living in Bavaria, and one of their three children, our subject, the youngest, is the only one to seek a home in the New World. (1) Charles is an offi- cial in the Bavarian government, and (2) Freder- ica married, and resides in her native land.

Our subject was born March 4. 1857, and was but five years old when he lost his father. On arriving at a suitable age he learned the tailor's trade, and worked as a journeyman at his old home until 1883, when he came to America. Locating at Philadelphia, he continued to work at his trade as a journeyman, but in 1892 he re- moved to and settled at State College, where he went into business on his own account, as a mer- chant tailor, purchasing a shop which at present monopolizes the business of the vicinity in that particular line. As Mr. Grimm is an expert in high-class tailoring, keeping thoroughly up-to- date in style, and is, withal, moderate in his prices. he is likely to retain his leadership in his chosen calling. He has a fine residence at State College, purchased in 1892.

His wife, formerly Miss Carrie Miller, was born thirty-four years ago at Philadelphia. Their home is made merry by the presence of four children-Harry, Liza, Latta and Charles. Since .choosing America as an abiding place, Mr. Grimm has made constant and thoughtful study of all questions which affect the public welfare, and he is active in the support of measures of which he approves, his influence being given politically to the Republican party. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, but there being no Church of that de- nomination at his present home, he attends the Presbyterian one.

G ENERAL JACKSON WOODRING, the gen- ial and popular proprietor of the " Wood- ring Hotel, " Port Matilda. Centre county, was born September 30, 1853, at Huntingdon Fur- nace, Huntingdon Co., Penn., a son of Michael and Nancy (Halderman) Woodring. He was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to Centre county, locating on the farm where his father still resides, and assisted in its

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cultivation and improvement until IS71, when he started out to earn his own livelihood, working for one year in a gristmill at Roopsburg. Later he entered the mill of Joseph Wilkerson, where he remained until 1874, when he returned home and assisted his father during the following sum- mer. Subsequently he was employed in various mills, either as a miller or millwright until 1880, when he began the operation of a mill, where he had previously been employed, conducting the same for two years. For five years he operated a flouring-mill for his brother. G. W. Woodring, in Martha Furnace, and then returned to Port Matilda, where, after conducting a mill for one year, he opened his present hotel. It is conven- iently arranged and well furnished, and in all its appointments, under its present able manage- ment, a first-class hotel, and is well patronized. Mr. Woodring was married December 5, 1874, to Miss Bella J. Moore, and they became the parents of four children :. George, Margerie V., Edith L. and Vera E. ; the last named died October 6. 1887. The others are still with their parents, and Margerie V. is now organist of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Matilda, with which the mother and children are all identi- fied. Mrs. Woodring was born at Roopsburg, Centre county, May 5. 1854. and is a daughter of Patrick and Margerie (Calhoun) Moore, na- tives of Roopsburg and Unionville, Centre coun- ty, respectively. The father engaged in farming at the former place, where the inother died Nov- ember 23, 1874, at the age of thirty-four years, and he later removed to Milesburg, where his last days were spent in retirement, dying in Feb- ruary, 1886, at the age of eighty years, at the home of his daughter, Maggie, wife of Samuel Myers. He was a prominent and influential man,. a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his wife also belonged. He was born on the old home- stead farm, which his father. Hamilton Moore, had cleared and improved. The latter was a na- tive of Ireland, and on coming to America at an early day located at Roopsburg. He became one of the leading and wealthy citizens of the community, honored and respected by all who knew hin. To Patrick Moore and wife were born seven children, as follows: Alfred C., general agent for a sewing machine company at Harrisburg, Penn. : Maggie, wife of Sammel Myers, a mill- wright of Milesburg, Penn. : Charles H., a resi- dent of Bellefonte, Penn. : Thomas T., of New Washington, Penn. : Bella J., wife of our subject; Anna, wife of Peter Cowher, a decorator, of Ty- rone, Penn., and Clarence, who died in infancy.

Politically, Mr. Woodring affiliates with the

Democratic party, and has been called upon to serve in a number of local offices, being tax col- lector three years, supervisor one year, and school director for the past three years. He has also been prominently connected with the elec- tion board. Pleasant and genial in manner he has made many warm friends, and all who know him have for him the highest regard.

F RANK H. CLEMSON occupies the respon- sible position of manager of the Scotia ore mines, and though yet a young man ranks among the leading representatives of business interests in his locality. His integrity is above question, while his devotion to the interests intrusted to his care is proverbial, and he has the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Mr. Clemson was born in Baileyville, Centre .. county, Penn., April 22, 1867, and is a son of Amos E. and Lydia (Rider) Clemson, the latter of whom was a daughter of Michael Rider, of Gatesburg, Centre county. The father was born near Milton, Northumberland Co., Penn., and was a blacksmith by trade. The mother died in September, 1891, and was buried in the Luther- an cemetery at Gatesburg. Grandfather Clem- son, who was a man of no means, and his pros- pective bride, who on the other hand was an heiress, came in an early day to America, where the opposition of her relatives to the match would be of no avail, and they were here married. The great-grandparents of our subject were consistent members of the Church of England, and were buried in Pequay churchyard, in Lancaster county.

The parents of our subject had a family of six children: Jonathan, who died at the age of twenty-six years, and was buried in the cemetery at Gatesburg, Penn. : Daniel M., who wedded Alice Gardner, by whom he has two sons, is a member of the board of managers of the Carne- gie Steel Co., limited, and makes his home in Pittsburg; Ellen is unmarried; Emma is the wife of Nathan Dale, a farmer of Pleasant Gap, Centre county, by whom she has one child, a daughter; Clarence C., who is living in Williamsburg. Blair county, Penn., married Ida Clark, and had one son and one daughter (the son, Berwin, died in October, 1896, in his third year).

Frank H. Clemson, whose name introduces this review, has spent his entire life in Centre county, being reared under the parental roof, and educated in the public schools. On April 20, 1802, he married Eva Gray, by whom he has three children: Frederick Gray, Daniel Robert

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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and Sarah C. His wife is a daughter of G. W. Gray and a niece of Dr. E. J. Gray, president of Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, Penn., and is a cultured lady who presides with gracious hos- pitality over their pleasant home.

In 1890, Mr. Clemson was appointed to his present position as superintendent of the Scotia ore mines, owned by the Carnegie Steel Co., limited. This company. purchased the land in 1880 for $96,000, and the plant was erected at a cost of more than $100,000. Something of the volume of business done may be imagined from the fact that more than $40,000 is paid out an- nually for labor alone. The mines are situated in Patton township, and Mr. Clemson gives to their operation his personal supervision. While he demands good work from the men in his em- ploy, he is always considerate in his treatment of them, and extremely just in all things, so that he has their confidence and high regard. He fully merits the trust that is reposed in him, and no duty given to his care is ever slighted.

In religious belief Mr. Clemson is a Presby- terian, while his wife belongs to the Methodist Church. Since 1890 he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he is a benevolent and charitable man, ever ready to extend a help- ing hand to the needy or distressed. In politics he is a Republican, and for the past five years has been chairman of the township committee, and done effective work for the party. In busi- ness he is most accommodating and courteous, and at all times. is a genial, affable gentleman, whom to know is to respect.

J OHN GINGERY. Among those agricultur- ists of Centre county whose places manifest to the most casual observer the energy and ability of the owner in his chosen calling, is the subject of this personal history. His fine farm in Huston township is on the Beaver Mill road in Bald Eagle Valley.

Mr. Gingery was born August 13, 1827; in what is now Mifflin county, but was then a part of Juniata county, Penn., and is a son of Joseph and Fannie (Stouffer) Gingery, who were na-, tives of Lancaster county, Penn., but were mar- ried in Juniata county, where they remained until 1840, which year witnessed their arrival in Centre county, they locating at Houserville, in Spring township. Two years later they removed to a farm belonging to the Pennsylvania Furnace Co., where they remained for the same length of time, and then went to Half Moon township. There the father died in 1871, at the age of sixty-six years, and the mother afterward went

to Port Matilda, where she passed away in 1874. at the age of sixty-eight. The father always followed agricultural pursuits, and by his fellow citizens was elected to several township offices, which he capably filled. Both were consistent members of the United Brethren Church. The mother was a daughter of Christian Stouffer, of Lancaster county. " By the German emigrants who founded the Gingery family in the New World, the name was spelled Gingrich.

Our subject is one of a family of eleven children, in order of birth as follows: Amos, deceased; Samuel, a farmer of Huston town- ship; John, of this review; Betsy, deceased wife of George Gates, a farmer of Half Moon town- ship, Centre county; Sarah who makes her home with her brother Rudolph in Tyrone, Penn. : Abel, deceased; Fannie, wife of Michael Rider, a farmer of Nebraska; Mary, deceased wife of Jerry M. Berley, also deceased: David, who is engaged in the dairy business in Missouri; Katie, who makes her home in Harrisburg, Penn .; and Rudolph, in the coal business in Tyrone.

Until eighteen years of age, John Gingery spent his boyhood and youth in a manner similar to most farmers' sons, aiding in the labors of the fields, and attending the public schools. He then worked in the lumber woods on the Susque- hanna river for a time, after which he returned to Huston township, where for seven years he was employed in a sawmill, and subsequently operated rented land until 1887, when he pur- chased his present farin. He was married Au- gust 31, 1856, to Miss Rachel R. Dillen, who was born in Huston township, June 21, 1836, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Fulton) Dil- len, natives of Centre county and Pittsburg, Penn., respectively. The father, who was a prominent farmer of that county, died in 1871. at the age of seventy-five years, and the mother was called to the world beyond in 1840, at the age of thirty-two. Four children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gingery, namely: Cur- tin, born January 17, 1858, married Minnie Mor- ris, and resides in Lock Haven, Penn. : Ann, born August 27, 1861, is the wife of George Stevens, a farmer of Centre county; William, born April 20, 1864, died June 23, 1893; and David, born May 30, 1866, married Cella Bul- lock, and is a farmer of Huston township.

Mr. Gingery is a man of sound common sense, just and honorable in his business transac- tions, very public spirited, and in every essen- tial a good citizen. He is a strong Prohibition- ist, and gives that party his hearty support, as he, in fact, warmly favors any movement that will elevate the moral status of the State. As

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a school director and supervisor, which offices he held for two years, he did good service. He is a member of the Baptist Church, as is also his excellent wife, who shares with him the respect of the entire neighborhood.

ILLIAM S. MUSSER, the genial propri- etor of the " Hotel Musser " at Millheim, is an up-to-date, systematic manager, whose hostelry is regarded by the traveling public as second to none in Centre county for comfort, neatness and attractive cuisine.

The Musser family is well known in Centre county, Sebastian Musser, great-grandfather of our subject, having located there at an early day. His only child, Philip B. Musser, married Eliza- beth Ilgen, and reared a large family, among whom was a son, Major William L. Musser, our subject's father, a prominent merchant, land holder and hotel keeper in his day. He was born April 10, 1810, near Spring Mills, Gregg township, Centre county, and after attending the common schools of that village for some years he began business life as a clerk for a Mr. Petrikin.

On August 13, 1835, Maj. William L. Mus- ser married Miss Elizabeth Hubler, one of the four children of George and Elizabeth (Kepler) Hubler, and by this union there were three daughters: Maggie, born September 29, 1837, died January 31, 1854; Elizabeth, born August 24, 1840, now the widow of George Condo, formerly of Indianapolis, and for twenty-one years a rail- road employee; and Sarah J., born February 3, 1843, married to Samuel P. Resman, then a merchant and farmer at Millheim, and now a farmer in Nebraska. The mother of these chil- dren died at Millheim, March 28, 1845, of ty- phoid fever, and August 4, 1846, the father married Miss Elizabeth Yeager, by whom he had two daughters (twins), born June 5. 1848-Clara M., who died in infancy, and Emma, now the wife of Capt. Heimbach, of the United States army, who is living in retirement at Muncy, Lycoming Co., Penn. He was wounded in the Civil war. Mr. Musser had been commissioned sheriff of Centre county under Gov. William F. Johnson. October 10, 1846, and had removed to Belle- fonte, where his second wife died September 20, 1849, from typhoid fever. He was married (a third time) January 24, 1850, to Miss Rebecca Stine, the second of the four children of Isaac and Elizabeth Zergar Stine, wealthy and prom- inent residents of Lebanon county. Her eldest sister, Maria, now the widow of Henry Weaver, lives in Millheim. The third member of the family, Elizabeth, married Dr. Wagner, a

dentist of Lebanon, Penn., and the youngest, David, is a car inspector at Bellefonte.

Our subject is the eldest of the four children of this marriage, the others being: George W., born September 4, 1852, died in in- fancy; Alice R., born June 12, 1854, married J. W. Toner, a resident of Philadelphia; Agnes T., born March 4, 1857, married John L. Noggle, of Philadelphia, who has been employed in the custom house for twenty-one years. The father of this family continued to reside in Bellefonte until the expiration of his term as sheriff, when he returned to Millheim, and for three years fol- lowed mercantile pursuits. He then engaged in the hotel business in a hostelry formerly occupied by Samuel Haupt. This was a licensed house and a central stopping place between Mifflinburg and the Old Fort in Potter township, Centre county. In 1877, after twenty-one years in the hotel, Mr. Musser retired from business owing to ill health, and spent his remaining days in quiet in a pleasant home built by his wife in Mid- dle Penn street. Millheim. He died October 4, 1889, of old age. He was a man of large build, well-proportioned and straight, full-faced and very active both physically and mentally. As a conversationalist he was unusually gifted, and at times he made political speeches of more than ordinary power. - An ardent Democrat, he was always ready to defend his views, and was one of the leading politicians of the county. Al- though he was not a Church member, he was a liberal contributor to religious movements and to relief work among the poor. His title of . . Ma- jor " was gained by service in the First Battalion. First Regiment Pennsylvania National Guards, his commission dating September 25. 1845. He was fond of fishing and hunting, and was very successful in these pursuits, reliable authority having credited him with having killed 106 deer in his lifetime. His love of family and home was great, and he was a kind husband and father. Our subject's mother, who inherited wealth from her parents, still resides in her luxurious home in Millheim, and at seventy years of age is in excel- lent health, enjoying life's blessings heartily.

William S. Musser was born at Bellefonte. December 3, 1850, during his father's term as sheriff. His parents removed to Millheim before his school days began, and he acquired his edu- cation there mainly, although he attended Aarons- burg Academy for a time, studying under Prof. Gutwalt and Prof. Hoy. When a boy of twelve he traveled in the West with his parents, going as far as Jowa, where they spent one summer. He naturally became familiar with the hotel business as he grew to manhood, and at an early

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age he became a partner in a tannery with his father.

In 1875 Mr. Musser married Miss Annie C. Harter, daughter of Dr. W. S. Harter. One daughter was born of this union, Loda S., an accomplished young lady now attending school in Philadelphia. Her mother died in May, 1889, of inflammation of the bowels, after an illness of only three days. Afterward Mr. Musser married his present wife, Margaret, daughter of Joseph Kreamer, a well-known resident of Brush Valley. She is a woman of much talent, and was edu- cated in the Reading High School. Of three children, the first, Hyle, died in infancy; Ada R. and Margaret, both at home, are beautiful and interesting children.

Previous to his first marriage, Mr. Musser, while out hunting, was accidentally shot in the shoulder, resulting in a permanent injury. On this account the tannery was sold, and he en- tered the hotel business, renting his father's es- tablishment. The place soon showed the effects of his progressive management. He built addi- tions to the dining room and kitchen, furnished the entire house in excellent style, with conven- iences far beyond what might be expected, in a town of the size of Millheim, and in fact trans- formed it from a country inn to a first-class hotel. "Billy," as he is called by a host of friends, is jovial and kind-hearted, and his genuine interest in the comfort and welfare of his guests makes the remembrance of a sojourn at his house a pleasing one. Mr. Musser is prominent in the local Democratic circles, but is not an office seeker. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Knights of the Golden Eagle.

T HOMAS MERRYMAN. The stability or substantial progress of a county or State is due largely to its agriculturists, and of this class our subject is a worthy representative. He was born July 31, 1853, on his present homestead on the Fowler road in Taylor township, Centre county.

Leonard Merryman, father of our subject, was born in the same county, March 2, 1812, a son of Elijah and Elizabeth (Hartline) Merryman, natives of England. On reaching manhood he wedded Miss Maria Ama, who was also born in Centre county, a daughter of John and Hester (Cox) Ama. They spent their last days upon the present farm of our subject, the father dying Fe- bruary 28. 1885, and the mother on April 19, 1875, at the age of fifty-eight years, three months and a few days. Both were earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics

he affiliated with the Republican party. By trade he was a blacksmith, but during the later years of his life carried on agricultural pursuits. He was one of the prominent and representative men of the community, widely and favorably known.

Thomas Merryman is the youngest in a family of eight children, the others being as follows: Nancy, born September 19, 1838, is the wife of John McMunagle, a sketch of whom follows; John, born September 23, 1840, died January 27, 1848; Elizabeth, born May 27, 1842, is the widow of George Calderwood, of Philipsburg. Penn .; Esther, born March 8, 1844, died April 25, 1862; Elijah, born October 17, 1846, died September 15, 1850; Julian, born May 21, 1849. died September 9, 1850; and Josephine, born February 15, 1851, makes her home with her brother Thomas. Our subject has spent his entire life upon his present farm, and in the public schools of the locality acquired a good practical education, which has well-fitted him for the responsible duties of life. He is a thor- ough and skillful farmer, industrious and en- ergetic, and the well-tilled fields and neat appear- ance of his place indieate the thrift and enterprise of the owner.

On July 2, 1885, Mr. Merryman married Miss Sarah J. Kelly, and they have had six chil- dren, in the order of birth as follows: Harry, born April 6, 1886, died January 11, 1887: Gertrude, born December 16, 1887; George T .. born January 2, 1890; Cicero, born February 21. 1892, died on the rith of the following June: Lona, born September 23, 1893; and one, born in 1896, died in infancy. Politically, Mr. Merryman casts his ballot in support of the men and meas- ures of the Republican party. As a business man he possesses excellent judgment, has been suc- cessful in his farming operations, and in all respects is accounted a useful and desirable member of so- ciety, and he is a representative and leading citizen of the community. His estimable wife belongs to the United Brethren Church, which he also at- tends, though not a member.

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Commemorative biographical record of central Pennsylvania : including the counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion, Pt. 1, Part 107

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1358

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1358